Apparatus for making composition boards or sheets



/7 PULP S7-ack June' 5, 1928.

G. H. ELLIS APPARATUS FOR MAKING COMPOSITION BOARDS OR SHEETS A Sheets-Sheet l x f Q A s w ,i mai* w W Ff* Q F5 2r l l l g V NT E w m @a m SPRA Y Moz zz Es 5 sheets-sheet 2 G. H. ELLIS APPARATUS FOR MAKING COMPOSITION BOARDS OR SHEETS Filed June 27, 1927 J l I l I lIJ flrlllL. A@

June 5, 1928.

fnl/anm@ GEORGE #EL L U mi w( ffl-IMI June 5, i928. y y 1,672,249 G. H. ELLIS APPARATUS Fon MAKING COMPOSITION BoARnsfon SHEETS Filed June 27, 1927 s sheets-sheet 5 i d f` will,

Patented June 5, 1928.

PATENT oFFlcls.A

GEORGE H. ELLIS, OF ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.

APPARATUS IOR MAKING; COMPOSITION BOARDS 0B SHEETS.

appumam nica :une 27, 1927. serial. no. 201,938'.

This invention relates to ynew and `useful impro'vementsin apparatus for makin composition boards or sheets, commonly own as lnsulite boards, adapted for use 1n the construction of buildings, and for various other purposes.

An object of the invention 1s to provide such an apparatus comprising a pa1r of perforated cylinders having their peripheries arranged in close proximity and partially submerged in a fibrous pulp stock, and between which the pulp stock, adhering to the cylinder peripheries, is adapted to be fed and compressed into a sheet, and pressure means being providedbetween and below ,the

point of contact of said cylinders for forcibly holding the pulp material against the cylinder peripheries to prevent backward or downward rolling of the stock upon the cylinders.

A further object is to provide such an apparatus comprising` a pair of perforated cylinders having their peripheries partially submerged in the fibrous pulp stock, and the end walls of the vats over which the cylinders are mounted, having leak-proof conneccontact., whereby the level of the pulp stock tions with the ends of the cylinders, and an air supply pipe being connected with one of the walls for introducing air pressure between the cylinders, vbelow their point of between the cylinders will-be forced downwardly to provid-e a pressure chamber, de#v fined by the pulp material adhering to the cylinder peripheries and the level of the pulp therebetween, thereby holding thepulp material, against the perforated peripheries of the cylinders and preventing it from becoming disengaged therefrom, the air pressure v also tendingto force a portionof the water out of the stock.

The particular object of the invention, therefore, is to. provide an improved appara-tus for making composition boards or sheets, having means provided between 4and below the point of contact of the cylinders thereof for holding the material against the peripheries of the cylinders, to insure that the resultant board or sheet will be uniform in thickness and in density, thereb prevents ing it from warping or twisting w en dry.

Other objects of the invention will appear from the following description and accompanying drawings and will be' pointed out in the annexed claims.

vnot confined to the exact features shown as various 4chan es maybe made within the A sco e of the c aims which follow.

n the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification,

Figure l is a vertical sectional view of my improved apparatus, showing the means provided between the cylinders for holding the material against the peripheries thereof prior to being passed therebetween;

Figure 2 1sy a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3, is a sectional plan view on thev .line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Figure'2 showing the means provided at ythe ends of the cylinders for preventing-leakage between the cylinders and the end walls of the vats; and

Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed sectional l view on'the line 5--5 of Figure 4, showing the sealing means for .preventing leakage between the cylinder ends and vat walls.

In the selective embodiment of the invention here shown, for purposes of disclosure, there is illustrated a machine or apparatus for making vcomposition boards or sheets, comprising a pair of perforated cylinders 10 and 11, geared together for simultaneous rotation bv suitable gears 12; These cylinders 10 and 11 are mounted respectively over vats 13 and 14, to which the fibrous pulp stock is delivered through a passage 15, shown in Figure 1. The feed passage 15 communicated with a head box 16 having a pulp feed pipe 17 positioned thereover, from which the pulp material is delivered into the box'16. This pipe 17 is connected tola source of pulp supply, not shown. A water` supply pipe 18 has its discharge end positioned lll to be returned through the overflow 21 to the source of supply, thus retaining a constant headf in the box 16 which, therefore, tends to maintain a constant static pressure of the pulp against the perforated peripheries of the cylinders in the vats 13 and 14.

The two vats communicate with each other at the discharge opening 22 of the feed pipe 15. The vat 14 also communicates with an elevated overflow chamber 23. having an overflow pipe 24v leading-therefrom preferably to the source of pulp supply.

A seal 25 is rovided between the periphery of the cylinder 12, and the wall 26 ofthe overow box 23, to prevent leakage of the pulp therebetween. A similar seal 27 is provided at one end of the vat 13 and is secured to the upper edge of the vat wall by means of a strip or cleat 28, and is adapted to engage the periphery of the cylinder 11y to similarly prevent leakage of the pulp from the vat at this point. These seals are preferably constructed of flexiblev material such as leather, canvas or rubber, and eX- tends the full length of the cylinders.

An important feature of this invention resides in the novel means provided between the cylinders, below their point' of contact, for holding the sheets of pulp material against the peripheries of the cylinders before it passes between the cylinders where it is compressed andv united to form an endless sheet as shown in Figure 1. The means provided for thus holding the felted sheets of pulp material against the peripheries of the cylinders, consists of a fluid pressure such as air being introduced in the triangulary space formed between the cylinders, be ow their point of contact, whereby the level of the pulp between the cyl inders is forced downwardly as shown in Figure 1, to provide a triangular air chamber 29, extending the full length of the cylinders, and defined by the felted sheets of pulp material 'adherin to the perforated peripheries of the cylin ers, the level of the pulp between the cylinders, and the end walls of the vats 13 and 14. An air pipe 31, having one end connected with a suitable source of fluid pressure, 'has its opposite end mounted in one of the side frames or walls 32 of the apparatus below the point of contact of the two cylinders, as shown. A valve 33 provides means'for controlling the flow of air to the chamber 29. By introducing compresed air in the triangular space bev tween the two cylinders at a pressure equal to the static pressure of the fibrous stock in the head box 16 and overflow 23, the confined air, in effect, replaces the fibrous stock at this point and holds it down between the cylinders so that the felted sheets formed on the peripheries of the cylinders. in passing through the vats, is subjected to an air pressure which forces a portion of the water through the perforated peripheries of the cylin ers into the interiors thereof. thus partially drying the felted sheets before they are united by being compressed between the two cylinders. The air pressure in the chamber 29 also functions to hold the ma terial against 'the peripheries of the cylinders toprevent it from rolling downwardly or back into the vats.

In order to provide an air chamber in the triangular space between the cylinders, as above described, the ends of the cylinders must be engaged with the end walls or brackets 32 of the vats in such a manner as to prevent leakage of the air and pulp there` between. Such a means is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, and consists of semi-annular sealing members 34 each having a babbitted face 35 adaptedy to engage the annular frames or end rings 36 of the cylinders 10 and 11,v as shown in Fi ure 5. The sealing members 34 are prefera ly of U-shape cross section and are supported upon semi-annular supporting members 37 which preferably are suitably secured to the end frames or walls 32 of the vats. by suitable means such as bolts, not shown. The sealing members 34 preferably have a slip connection with the semi-annular supporting members 37, and are yieldably held in contact with the outer faces-of the cylinder rings 36, by means of compression springs 38 mounted in adjusting nuts 39, adjustably received in threaded engagement with the end Walls 32. Thrust pins 41 are seated in apertures 42 provided in the supporting members 37. and each in 41 has one end engaging one of the sealing members 34 and its other end engagedwith one of thecompression springs 38. These springs 38 cooperate with the pins 41 to yieldably hold the sealing members against the cylinder rings, as shown in Figure 5. Flexible bands 43, such as rubber, are mount-l ed upon the end rings 36, preferably of the cylinder 11, and are adapted to engage the peripheriesfof the end rings 36 0f the cylinder 10, to close the gaps between the two cylinders at these points and to prevent leakage therebetween.

In operation, the cylinders are spaced apart as indicated 'at 44 in Figure 5, to receive the felted sheets of pulp material adhering to the cylinder peripheries, as they leave the vats to pass between the cylinder, where they are compressed and united.

Another feature of the invention resides in the means provided for introducing additional water into the vat 13 at different points lengthwise thereof. Such means is shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and consists of a plurality of pipes 45, each having its discharge end projecting through the wall of the vat 13, as shown in Figure 1, andhaving its 'opposite end connected with the watersupply pipe 18 by means of a fitting 46.

A valve 47 is provided in each pipe 45 to control and regulate the flow of water therethrough. These pipes are preferably arranged as shown in igures 2 and 3, so that by manipulation of the valves 47, additional Water may be introduced into the vat 13 at different points lengthwise thereof, thereby providing means whereby the consistency of the stock may be thinned at any particular place in the vat, should the stock at any one place become too thick. A plurality of pipes 49 also communicate with the fittings 46, and have their discharge ends positioned within the pulp feed passage 15, as shown in Figure 1. These pipes are provided with valves 5l for controlling the flow of water therethrough.

In the operation of this novel apparatus, the fibrous pulp stock is introduced into the head box 16 from the pipe 17, and at the same time a portion of water is introduced into the box 16 from the pipe 18. The discharge end of the pulp -feed pipe'17 is preferably arranged directly over the discharge end of the water 'pipe 18 so as to cause the pulp stock to become thoroughly mixed 'with the water flowing from the pipe 18.` The pulp stock then travels downwardly by ravity, as indicated by the arrows, throng the passage 15, l'and is dischargedfthrough the elongated opening 22 into thev two vats 13 and 14, as indicated by the arrows. As soon as the vats are-filled with pulp, the pulp will rise in the overflow box 23 until it overflows through the pipe 24. Air is then introduced into the triangular space between the cylinders below their point of contact,

thereby `causing the level of the pulp stock therein to be forced downwardly to provide the fluid pressure chamber 29, shown in F10- ure 1. The pressure in this chamber is reiferably equal to the static pressure of) the stock in the overflow box 2.3, and as the cylinders are rotated in the directions indicated by the arrows in Figure 1,` portions of the pulp stock will adhere to thefperforated' peripheries thereof and will be carried upwardly and-between the two cylinders where v the lfeltedvpulp sheets are united by being compressed between the4 cylinders. Suc

vpressing of the material in passing between the cylinders causes aconsiderable portion of the water contained therein to be squeezed out of the pulp, through the perforated peripheries of the cylinders, and` into thein'- teriors thereof, Vfrom whence it flows through the openings 52 in the end walls 32 of the apparatus and into suitable troughs or drains 53, shown in Figure 2.

The fluid pressurein tends to hold the felted peripheries time' forces a portion of the water out of the sheets and into the cylinders, thereb causing the material to be partially driedy before A the 4chamber `29 sheets against the the level of lcylin er and, by

of the cylinders and at the same` being compressed between the two cylinders.

In actual operation, it has been found that by introducing compressed air between the cylinders, below their point of contact, as above described, the speed of the apparatus can be considerably increased and the resultant boards or sheets will also be more even and uniform, as a result of the felted sheets being delivered between the two cylinders being of substantially uniform thickness.

The introduction of air pressure between the cylinders also provides means'for automatically taking care of any variation in freeness or density of the fibrous stock, as, for instance, when the stock is very free, the water is pressed through the perforated peripher'ies of the cylinders by the compressed air and a ortion of the air will also escape through the cylinder walls thus reducing the yvolume of air in the chamber 29, and

ermitting the stock level to raise up higher 1n the triangular s ace between the c linders or chamber 29. n the other han if the stock is s low, and the water is diflicult to remove, the escape of airis slower and the volume of air in the chamber 29 therefore increases with the result that the stock level in the chamber 29 is forced downwardly, thus presenting. a larger area and consequentlyv allowing more time for forcing the water through the perforated peripheries of the cylinders. The result isythat a lighter and more uniform board is produced and at the same time the speed of the apparatus may be increased.

The pipes 45 and 49 provide means for selectively thinning `the stock at any location or point 13, and also in the passage 15 through which the material is fed to the two vats. Thus, if the sheets should happen to be running thick in the center, the stock can be thinned dow`n at that point and immediately brought to the desired thickness. If ythey should be running thick at either side, the stock .can likewise be thinned down at these points and stock and through theA within the length ofthe vat.v

thickness. These pipes, thereforeyfunction to re late'the degree of felting onv each their use, the density of the pulp can be so re sheets will be su stantially uniform and even in thickness.

- At the left hand sideof Figure 1, thereis shown the usual apparatus provided for squeezingvthe water out of the felted sheetl prior to being passed through a suitable drying oven, not shown. This apparatus comprises a pluralityof rollers upon which suitable belts 54 and 55 are mounted, and between which 'the felted sheet is fed, as indicated by the arrow The apparatus is designed and 'arranged in such a manner thatlthe ,sheets may lated that the resultant be A13o made to any desired thickness, depending upon their utility. When used in the construction of buildings for such purposes as wall boards, insulation, or, to provide a base for plaster or stucco, then the boards or sheets are usually about one-half inch in thickness, and are cut into sizes most suitable for the particular installation. The sheets may also be rolled comparatively thin .by relatively adjusting the cylinders and also the squeezing rollers upon which the conveyer belts 54 and 55 are mounted. The rollers and belts, as hereinbefore stated, function to remove the major portion of the water from the felted material or web, prior to its passage through the drying means. When the sheets are thus thinned, they may be utilized in the manufacture of containers and various other articles. The In-sulite boards or sheets described in this application, also provide a very suitable and prac.- tical insulating material for use in the manu facture of refrigerators, refrigerator cars, and such structures.

I claim as my invention:

1. A method of forming composition boards or sheets which consists in subjecting fibrous pulp stock to pressure of rotating elements wlthin a suitable receptacle, and

introducing a fluid pressure between said ro-' tating elements adjacent their point of engagement to hold the sheets of pulp stock against the peripheries of said elements.

2. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a vat whereto the fibrous pul stock is delivered, a pair of cylinders parta ly submerged in the pulp and geared to-A gether for simultaneous rotation, the peripheries of said cylinders substantially engag-v ing each other, and means between and below the engaging point of the cylinders adapted to prevent backward or downward rolling of the stock upon said cylinders.

3. An apparatus of the class described, comprising a suitable vat whereto the fibrous f pulp is delivered, a pair of cylinders partially submerged in the pulp and adapted for simultaneous rotation in opposite directions and having their peripheries arranged in close proximity, and means for introducing a fluid pressure between the peripheries of said cylinders below their point of contact to hold the fibrous material against the peripheries of the cylinders prior to being passed therebetween.

4. An apparatus of the cla-ss described, comprising a vat having means lfor feeding fibrous pulp stock thereto, a pair of rotatable cylinders mounted over said vat and having their peripheries partially submerged in the pulp, said cylinders having their peripheries arranged in close proximity and adapted to feed the fibrous material therebetween to form a sheet, means at the ends of the cylinders for preventing leakage of the pulp from said vats, and means for delivering a fluid pressure between the peripheries of said cy inders below their point of contact, whereby the level of the pulp stock between said cylinders is forced down wardly to provide a pressure chamber functioningt/o hold the fibrous material against the peripheries of the cylinders, prior .to its passage therebetween.

5. An apparatus of the class described, including -a receptacle comprising two vats, means for feeding pulp stock to said vats, a perforated cylinder mounted over each vat and having their peripheries partially submerged in the pulp, an overflow connected with one of said vats and extending above said cylinders to provide a head whereby a static pressure will be built up in said vats, and means for introducing a fiuid pressure between said cylinders below their point of contact for downward] forcing the pulp level therebetween, sai fluid pressure acting to hold the lpulp material against the peripheries of the cylinders to prevent it from rolling downwardly thereon, and also tending to force a portion of the water out of said material through the perforations in said cylinder walls.

6. An apparatus of the class described, including a receptacle comprising two vats, a pulp feed passage between said vats for delivering pulp stock thereto, a perforated cylinder mounted over each vat and having their peripheries partially submerged in the pulp stock and arranged in close proximity and adapted to feed the fibrous material therebetween, means for delivering a fluid pressure below the point of contact of said cylinders for holding the fibrous material against theperipheries of said cylinders, prior to its passage therebetween, and a hea-d box connected with said vats and extending upwardly above said cylinders and normally filled with pulp stock, whereby a static pressure is built up in said vats to cause a portion of the water to be forced through the perforated walls of said cylinders and to cause the fibrous material to become deposited upon the peripheries thereof.

7. An apparatus of the class described, including a receptacle comprising two vats, means for feeding pulp stock thereto, a perforated cylinder mounted over each vat and having their peripheries partially submerged lin the pulpstock contained therein, and a connected with vpulp stock said vat and havingI its discharge opening located between said cylinders, and 4means in said passage for selectively introducing additional water intoA the flowing therethrough at different points transversely of the apparatus.

9. 'An apparatus of the class described, including a receptacle comprising two vats, a pulp feed passage between said vats for delivering pulp stock thereto, a perforated cylinder mounted over each vat and-having their peripheries partially submer ed in the pulp, a plurality of pipes connecte with one of said vats for ,to the pulp stock at different points transsupplying additional water thereto at intervals lengthwise' of the vat,-

versel of the apparatus for thinning the stock efore being delivered to said vat.

10. A method of forming composition boards or sheets which consists in, su jecting brous pulp stock to pressure of lrotating elements, and adjacent their oint of engagement to hold the pulp stoc against 't e peripheries thereof.

11. A. method of forming composition boards or sheets which consists in subjecting fibrous pulp stock to pressure of rotating elements withina suitable receptacle, and introducing a luid pressure adjacent their point of engagement to hold the pulp stock against the peripheries thereof.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 25th day of June, 1927.

v GEORGE H. ELLIS.

introducmg a uid pressure 

